Cold and Allergy Decongestant Nasal Spray

Xylometazoline belongs to a group of medications called nasal decongestants. It is used in a nasal spray and drops for the relief of symptoms of nasal congestion caused by allergies, sinus inflammation (sinusitis), and colds. It is also used to make rhinoscopy (an examination of the inside of the nose) easier.

Xylometazoline starts working in 5 to 10 minutes. It works by narrowing the blood vessels in the lining of the nose. This helps to clear the symptoms of congestion.

This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

Before using this medication, the nose should be blown gently. Do not use this medication for more than 3 to 5 days in a row.

Nasal spray: The usual recommended dose for adults is one to three sprays in each nostril every 8 to 10 hours. The head should be tilted slightly forward while using the spray. Breathe deeply. Blow the nose after 3 to 5 minutes. Rinse the tip of the spray bottle with hot water before replacing the cap.

Nasal drops: The usual recommended dose for adults is 1 to 3 drops in each nostril every 8 to 10 hours. The head should be tilted back while using the drops. Avoid touching the nostril with the dropper. Rinse the dropper with hot water before replacing it in the bottle.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, use it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not use a double dose to make up for a missed one.If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

If symptoms continue for longer than 5 days, stop using this medication and contact your doctor. Excessive use may cause congestion to become worse.

Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children. Accidental ingestion of even small amounts of this medication by a child can cause serious harm.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Prolonged or excessive use: If symptoms continue for more than 3 to 5 days, stop using this medication and contact your doctor. Excessive or prolonged use of this medication may make congestion worse.

Medical conditions: If you have difficulty urinating because of an enlarged prostate, heart disease, high blood pressure, glaucoma, overactive thyroid, advanced hardening of the arteries, or diabetes, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Multiple users: Use of this nasal spray by more than one person may cause spread of infection.

Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if xylometazoline passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children less than 12 years of age.

Seniors: Seniors should use this medication with caution, as you may be more likely to experience side effects.

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

stop taking one of the medications,

change one of the medications to another,

change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or

leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.